SEC Chair Paul Atkins says the U.S. missed opportunities to regulate crypto and is now trying to move faster to support innovation.
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The SEC is signaling a shift towards a more supportive regulatory approach for crypto after Chair Paul Atkins acknowledged past missed opportunities. At the same time, Bitcoin is trading near $67,000, highlighting how shifting U.S. policy sentiment could strengthen market confidence and accelerate institutional adoption. Speaking at recent policy discussions and briefings, Atkins criticized the regulatory approach taken under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler during a fireside chat, noting that the agency previously relied heavily on enforcement-driven oversight. The agency said that much of the crypto should be treated as securities. It brought several cases against crypto companies, most of which were for failing to register their products or platforms. That approach created friction between regulators and industry. Many crypto firms said they believed regulations were unclear and that the SEC was regulating mainly through lawsuits rather than issuing guidance. Atkins said that his agency needed to respond quickly to innovate. He said the last few years had given the United States a lost opportunity, especially as other nations tried to entice crypto entrepreneurs to invest amid clearer regulatory frameworks. The SEC has made moves that now seem closer to support since President Trump took office. The agency has also formed a dedicated crypto task force and has withdrawn multiple enforcement cases against prominent industry players. It has also recently announced “Project Crypto,” an effort to modernize its rules to better reflect digital asset technologies. Those details aren’t fully developed yet, but the tone from the agency’s leadership has noticeably changed. Bitcoin steadies as policy outlook brightens Meanwhile, Bitcoin has hovered around $67,000. While Bitcoin may be volatile, the market doesn’t seem to be panicking too much over regulatory changes. Rather, many people are assessing whether a predictable U.S. approach could boost confidence. Regulatory clarity is often cited as a crucial…
Filed under: News - @ March 1, 2026 1:21 am